Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC–PM), surprised many by showcasing a lighter, more cheerful side of his personality at the Swarajya Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, organized by Sangam Talks. During the event, Sanyal was seen dancing enthusiastically to devotional bhajans dedicated to Lord Ram. Known for its high-profile sessions and policy debates, the conclave briefly transformed into a celebration as the senior economist set aside his policy-driven persona and joined in the music.

The video of Sanyal dancing quickly went viral on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, he can be seen energetically moving to the bhajans, capturing widespread attention. One user humorously described him as “the guy who helps the PM run the economy, cosplays as a 10th-century shipbuilder, rewrites history textbooks, and then break dances on Ram bhajans,” highlighting his multifaceted personality. This moment resonated with viewers, showing that even serious policy strategists can embrace cultural and devotional expressions with enthusiasm.

Beyond his dance, Sanyal has recently made headlines for his bold critique of India’s civil services examination culture. In a podcast with chartered accountant and content creator Kushal Lodha, he questioned the logic behind millions of young aspirants spending years preparing for the UPSC exam, calling it a “99.9% failure rate system.” He argued that this obsession wastes talent and resources, suggesting that youth energy should be redirected toward more productive avenues.

Sanyal is widely recognized not only as an economist but also as a historian and author. His books, including The Ocean of Churn and The Incredible History of India’s Geography, reflect his passion for re-examining India’s past. Simultaneously, his role in the EAC–PM places him at the center of shaping the country’s economic policy, demonstrating his ability to balance high-level policymaking with cultural engagement.